"El Grito" translated means "the Cry" and refers to the "grito de independencia" or the "cry of independence." Late on the night of September 15th,1810 a Mexican priest, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, called his followers to his church in the small town of Dolores in the state of Guanajuato. He gave an inspirational speech calling for a rebellion against the Spaniards so that Mexicans could govern Mexico. This speech is known as the "Grito de Dolores" (Cry of Dolores) and began the Mexican struggle for independence. A hundred years later President Porfirio Díaz rang the same bell Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang a century before and shouted many vivas from the balconies of the National Palace. Today Mexicans celebrate Sept.16th as Independence Day and late in the evening every September 15th the President of Mexico rings a bell and repeats the "Grito de Dolores to signify the beginning of this fiesta of all fiestas.

On the back of a bottle of Tequila El Grito It states: " On the eve of September 16th a chorus of exuberent Mexican's gather outside the National Palace to raise their voices and repeat the 1810 cry for independence, "Viva Mexico". Afterwards in celebration they raise their glasses filled with the national drink, Tequila".

As "El Grito" symbolizes the start of this Mexican National celebration, Tequila El Grito proudly uses this name for their three products and markets them with celebration in mind. The 100% percent Agave Tequila Gold is billed as a tequila for "The Perfect Margarita" and the 100 proof El Grito (pictured in background) which is not a 100% agave but is bottled in Mexico was designed for the party crowd and high octane Tequila Shooters. They also have an Añejo that spent 12 months in 55 gallon whiskey barrels.

Reviewed here is the 100% agave "Gold". Most "Gold" Tequilas are relatively dark in color but El Grito has a very light golden color reminiscent of many Reposados. To the nose there are hints of alcohol and agave with no other real distinct tones. In the mouth along with an initial attack of alcohol, there is a slight sweetness, probably from the sugars of the added carmel. It has a very mellow, and yes, smooth finish. One does not come away with the impression that the joven abocado process was used to mask an inferior product and I think El Grito starts with a quality Blanco. El Grito Tequila Gold is competitively priced at around $20.00 per 750ml. Value and the fact that this is an unaged tequila without any distracting wood tones, El Grito, indeed makes a very good Margarita.